NROTC Commissioning Gift?

NROTCdad

NROTCdad

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Aug 21, 2018
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Hello, I realize this question has been asked here before and I’ve read a bunch of old threads, but I haven’t been able to definitively find what’s the most traditional gifts I can get my DS.

Also can someone either explain or point me to an explanation of the coins and swords? Are they appropriate gifts?

Forgive me but, I’m not from a military background and want to make this as special as I can.

Thank you very much.
 
I found a beautiful wood memento box that had a medallion with the Navy crest and DS' name and commissioning date on the lid. There were options to customize the inside the the officer's oath or other items. I chose to put DS' school logo inside. This can be used to hold mementos, ribbons, insignia, etc. I chose to fill DS' with photos and messages from family members who served in the Armed Forces. He loved it and spent a lot of time looking at his extended family members, many he has never met in uniform and reading their messages to him. His birthday was shortly before commissioning and I found a company called Shadow Bags, owned by former Navy officers. They make bags with pockets designed specifically to hold all your insignia, ribbons, etc. DS that made things very convenient to keep all his uniform accessories organized and in one place. Feel free to PM me if you want more info on the box I found.
 
ProudDad17 said:
I found a beautiful wood memento box that had a medallion with the Navy crest and DS' name and commissioning date on the lid. There were options to customize the inside the the officer's oath or other items. I chose to put DS' school logo inside. This can be used to hold mementos, ribbons, insignia, etc. I chose to fill DS' with photos and messages from family members who served in the Armed Forces. He loved it and spent a lot of time looking at his extended family members, many he has never met in uniform and reading their messages to him. His birthday was shortly before commissioning and I found a company called Shadow Bags, owned by former Navy officers. They make bags with pockets designed specifically to hold all your insignia, ribbons, etc. DS that made things very convenient to keep all his uniform accessories organized and in one place. Feel free to PM me if you want more info on the box I found.
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One of my brothers had a nice side-hustle making these boxes while he was on active duty. It is a nice gift.

To the OP, make the gift small, meaningful, and portable. My DS was gifted a former Marine's sword as it was a cool thing to an 18 year old Marine which meant nothing by the time said Marine turned 30. The guy just didn't want to lug it around in another move.

The shadow box (with room for his retirement flag if he stays for a career) as suggested by ProudDad17 sounds like a dandy idea.
 
FastFood44 said:
a flag that was flown over the US Congress building; only costs fifty dollars very easy to get online through House website
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I wasn't aware until now anyone could simply request a flag from the AOC. Good to know. Generally the flag-flown-over-the Capitol as a gift is reserved for retirement, or burial, and is requested through one's senator or congressman.

Mine didn't cost me or my unit who awarded it to me, a nickel. Of course that was over 20 years ago. Could be that my congressman picked up the tab out of his or her budget.
 
OldAFRet said:
I wasn't aware until now anyone could simply request a flag from the AOC. Good to know. Generally the flag-flown-over-the Capitol as a gift is reserved for retirement, or burial, and is requested through one's senator or congressman.

Mine didn't cost me or my unit who awarded it to me, a nickel. Of course that was over 20 years ago. Could be that my congressman picked up the tab out of his or her budget.
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You can get one now for any reason! Just a simple request through US Senator/Rep. I've seen it for eagle scout graduation, officer commissioning, etc
 
A set of Brooks Brothers SDBs. Much more comfortable than the standard issue uniform and makes a difference for long watches on the quarterdeck/bridge.

A nice mechanical watch to wear with a dress uniform. I wasn't on a cruiser, but I've heard the SPY arrays on them can zap cheap Casios on certain parts of the ship. I don't recommend a smart watch, Fitbit, or anything with RF/bluetooth capabilities--not authorized in secure spaces.

A sword might be cool, but won't see much use at all, and would be a pain during PCS (especially overseas).

Not a "traditional" gift, but cover bag for the combination cover and a good garment bag. I've managed to keep the same MIDN combo cover I was issued in good condition all these years.
 
You mentioned coins, and an explanation...I also was not from a military background and had no idea, now I have two DS who commissioned thru NROTC. Your DS will need a coin, that he will give to whoever gives him his first salute. For DS1 it was random, we happened to be walking on campus after commissioning and an underclassman in NROTC saluted him. For DS2 it was prearranged with a buddy in ROTC whom he mentored. We ordered silver dollars from the US Mint with the year on it. Approximately $50. As a commissioning gift we bought both of their Ensign uniform packages. Congratulations!
 
nuensis said:
a good garment bag.
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Forget what I said earlier, and do this!

My dear departed mother spent $115 1979 dollars to get me this sweet, large, rugged Samsonite garment bag. Held everything I could possibly need for a week long trip, and I could carry it on back when planes had garment bag elevators in the main cabin. It was my TDY/leave bag for 20 years, and my business trip bag for 10 years of my second career. I haven't flown much in the last 10 or so years, but the bag is still ready for duty.
 
Good info on the commissioning coin process I had no clue and it is a great idea to give DS before the ceremony. Change userid to LucyNoClue!
 
kinnem said:
Unless you want to be invited to lots of weddings as part of the sword arch.
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I should have monetized all of the sword loans we have made/still make to USNA sponsor alumni traveling back to Annapolis for weddings. They are a royal PITA to travel with.

And - they are not a required Navy uniform item until the rank of LCDR. Marine Corps requires them from day one, of course. Some of the best advice I got - don’t get one until required. Typically, senior officers wear them for formal ceremonies such as changes of command, commissionings, etc.

Pro tip: if someone borrows your sword for a cake-cutting, look deep into their eyes and threaten them if they fail to clean the sword before replacing in scabbard.
 
Capt MJ said:
I should have monetized all of the sword loans we have made/still make to USNA sponsor alumni traveling back to Annapolis for weddings. They are a royal PITA to travel with.

And - they are not a required Navy uniform item until the rank of LCDR. Marine Corps requires them from day one, of course. Some of the best advice I got - don’t get one until required. Typically, senior officers wear them for formal ceremonies such as changes of command, commissionings, etc.

Pro tip: if someone borrows your sword for a cake-cutting, look deep into their eyes and threaten them if they fail to clean the sword before replacing in scabbard.
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My dad bought me a sword for me while on deployment to Spain when I was a 2/C mid. Because it was new, very clean, etc, it was used to cut MANY wedding cakes, even some where I didn't attend as I lent it out to friends who were invited sword bearers. Mine was often used becasue it was so new in comparison to many of the "borrowed" swords which were often the company/battalion/etc swords which are "well worn" under close inspection.
I'd love to have it now on my wall but it became the commissioning gift to my son. . .
.
PS: Even though I'd already told him I was giving him the sword, he asked me to make him a set of golf clubs for graduation and when I sent him a picture of what they would look like, I ended up with a plea to make ANOTHER set for one of his roommates who did pay me a nominal sum for his. :rolleyes:
 
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